Andtransmission Electron Microscopy Research Articles

In vivooverexpression of synaptogyrin-3 promotes striatal synapticdopamineuptakein LRRK2R1441G mutant mouse model of Parkinson's disease.

Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) mutation is a common genetic risk factor of Parkinson's disease (PD). Presynaptic dysfunction is an early pathogenic event associated with dopamine (DA) dysregulation in striatum of the brain. DA uptake activity of DA uptake transporter (DAT) affects synaptic plasticity andmotorand non-motorbehavior. Synaptogyrin-3(SYNGR3)is part of the synaptogyrin family, especially abundant in brain. Previousin vitrostudies demonstrated interaction between SYNGR3 and DAT.Reduced SYNGR3 expression was observed inhuman PD brainswith unclear reasons. Here, wefurtherexplored whether inducing SYNGR3 expression can influence(i) cellular DA uptake using differentiated humanSH-SY5Yneuronalcells, (ii) striatal synaptosomalDA uptakein amutant LRRK2R1441G knockin mouse modelof PD, and (iii) innate rodentbehaviorusing the marble burying test. Young LRRK2 mutant mice exhibited significantly lower SYNGR3 levels in striatum compared to age-matched wild-type (WT) controls, resembling level in aged WT mice. SYNGR3 is spatially co-localized with DAT at striatal presynaptic terminals, visualized by immuno-gold transmission electron microscopyand immunohistochemistry. Their protein-protein interaction was confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation. Transient overexpression of SYNGR3 in differentiated SH-SY5Y cellsincreasedcellular DA uptake activity without affecting total DAT levels. Inducing SYNGR3 overexpression by adeno-associated virus-7 (AAV7) injectionin vivointo striatum increasedex vivosynaptosomal DA uptakein LRRK2 mutant mice and improved theirinnatemarble buryingbehavior. Brain SYNGR3expressionmay be an important determinant to striatal DA homeostasisand synaptic function.Ourpreliminarybehavioraltest showed improved innatebehaviorafter SYNGR3 overexpression in LRRK2 mutant mice, advocating further studies to determine the influence of SYNGR3 in thepathophysiology of DA neuronsin PD.

Oxide powder mixture with poly-vinyl alcohol (PVA) and added polyethylene glycol (PEG) as plasticizer

Powder mixture consisted of ZnO, Mn2O3 (MnCO3) and Fe2O3 blended powders, was found laminating during compaction. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and a combination of PVA with polyethylene glycol (PEG) added as a plasticizer, were introduced as polymer binders to improve the compaction of oxide mixtures. It has been done by forming a suspension of oxide mixture and varying the polymer solution concentration and composition. By evaporating the solvent, new materials were obtained, which consist of oxide particles bound via polymer. In such a manner obtained hybrid materials were characterized with attenuated total reflection Fourier transformed infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, differential thermal analysis (DTA) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The oxide polymer material was compacted at 200 MPa and the expansion of this compact during heating was monitored in temperature range up to 550?C with dilatometer. It was found that PVA forms graft polymer with PEG and specific interaction with oxide particles surface was revealed.

Infectious Crystalline Keratopathy after Penetrating Keratoplasty with Light and Electron Microscopic Examination.

To highlight the typical histological and ultrastructural features of severe infectious crystalline keratopathy (ICK) in a corneal graft, which required excimer laser-assisted repeat penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) and to present the challenging treatment conditions associated with ICK. An 85-year-old female patient underwent PKP for secondary graft failure after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) for Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy in the left eye. One year later, white branched opacities were observed in the superficial corneal stroma of the graft without surrounding inflammation in the left eye. The patient underwent excimer laser-assisted repeat PKP (8.0/8.1 mm) in the left eye after prolonged refractory topical anti-infectious treatment for 1 month. The corneal explant was further examined by light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The light microscopic examination of the corneal explant demonstrated aggregates of coccoid bacteria in the superficial and mid-stromal region that were positive for periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and Gram stain. The bacterial aggregates extended into the interlamellar spaces, showed a spindle-shaped appearance, and were not surrounded by an inflammatory cellular reaction. TEM demonstrated lamellae separation within the anterior corneal stroma with spindle-shaped aggregates of bacteria, which were embedded in an extracellular amorphous matrix with incipient calcification, being consistent with a biofilm. No inflammatory cellular reaction was evident by TEM. At discharge from hospital, the corrected visual acuity was 20/80 in the left eye. ICK is often challenging due to the difficult diagnosis and treatment conditions. The refractory courses are mainly attributed to a biofilm formation, which inhibits effective topical anti-infectious treatment. In such cases, (repeat) PKP may be necessary to completely remove the pathology, prevent recurrences, and improve vision.

Aqueous Rechargeable Batteries for Green Energy Storage: The Zinc Ion Chemistry

Aqueous Rechargeable Batteries for Green Energy Storage: The Zinc Ion Chemistry

Fossilization of Precambrian microfossils in the Volyn pegmatite, Ukraine

Abstract. We report on Precambrian microfossils from igneous rocks of the Volyn pegmatite district, associated with the Paleoproterozoic Korosten pluton, northwestern Ukraine. The fossils were recovered from meter-sized miarolitic cavities and show a well-preserved 3D morphology, mostly filamentous but with a large variety of types and also in irregular, flaky shapes reminiscent of former biofilms, as well as rare spherical objects. Based on literature data, pyrolysis experiments, and reflected light microscopy results, the organic matter (OM) is characterized as (oxy-)kerite. Further investigations with microscopic techniques, including scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and electron microprobe analysis show that fossilization likely occurred during a hydrothermal, post-pegmatitic event by silicification dominantly in the outermost 1–2 µm of the microfossils. The hydrothermal fluid, derived from the pegmatitic environment, was enriched in SiF4, Al, Ca, Na, K, Cl, and S. The OM shows O enrichment in which N and S content is low, indicating simultaneous N and S loss during anaerobic oxidation. Mineralization with Al silicates starts at the rim of the microfossils, continuing in its outer parts into identifiable encrustations and intergrowths of clay minerals, feldspar, Ca sulfate, Ca phosphate, Fe sulfide, and fluorite. Breccias, formed during collapse of some the miarolitic cavities, contain decaying OM, which released high concentrations of dissolved NH4+, responsible for the late-stage formation of tobelite-rich muscovite and buddingtonite. The age of the fossils can be restricted to the time between the pegmatite formation, at ∼1.760 Ga, and the breccia formation at ∼1.49 Ga. As the geological environment for the growth of the microorganisms and fossilization, we assume a geyser system in which the essential biological components C, N, S, and P for growth of the organisms in the miarolitic cavities were derived from microorganisms at the surface. Fossilization was induced by magmatic SiF4-rich fluids. The Volyn occurrence is a distinct and uncommon example of Precambrian fossils, and the results underline the importance of cavities in granitic rocks as a possible habitat for microorganisms preserved in the deep biosphere.

Occurrence of Botryococcus terribilis Komárek & Marvan in a small sandpit lake: The first report from Serbia

Alkaline saline ponds and lakes are habitats with unique biodiversity. The green alga of the genus Botryococcus was accidentally discovered during a micro-algal survey of these habitats in Serbia. Species B. terribilis was found and identified for the first time in Serbia in the small sandpit lake of the Rusanda Nature Park. The first sampling was incomplete due to the unknown origin of the orange-red surface scum. After the identity of the species had been confirmed, three additional samplings were conducted aiming to collect phytoplankton and water samples for physical and chemical analyses. Major anions and cations were analysed in order to characterize the chemical type of sandpit lake, as well as nutrient content. Sandpit lake is an alkaline water body that belongs to sodium bicarbonate chemical type. Morphometric analysis of B. terribilis was performed using light and transmission electron microscopy. B. terribilis was found to be numerous in the phytoplankton community in late autumn and winter. Species from the genus Botryococcus are known as a rich source of different lipids and this discovery can be the first step in the further biotechnological application of this species in sustainable biofuel production.

A Comparative Study of Pathological Nanomineral Aggregates with Distinct Morphology in Human Aortic Atherosclerotic Plaques.

Calcification exists in atherosclerotic plaques in the form of nanomineral aggregates and is closely related to the development of atherosclerosis. Spheroidal and massive calcification are two major types of calcification found in atherosclerotic tissue. However, the exact difference between these two types of calcification is still not clear. Samples composed entirely of spheroidal calcifications and massive calcifications were isolated from aortic atherosclerotic plaques and tested using both bulk and microscopic analysis techniques. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy showed that spheroidal calcifications had a core-shell structure. Massive calcifications were composed of randomly arranged nanocrystals. Synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and selected area electron diffraction showed amorphous calcium phosphate, whitlockite and carbonate hydroxyapatite all existing in spheroidal calcification, while massive calcification only consisted of carbonate hydroxyapatite. We conclude that amorphous calcium phosphate may act as a precursor phase of spheroidal calcifications that eventually transforms into a crystalline phase, while whitlockite in lesions could aggravate the progression of atherosclerosis.

Facile Synthesis of Cu2O nanoparticle-loaded Carbon Nanotubes Composite Catalysts for Reduction of 4-Nitrophenol

Background: 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) is one of the pollutants in sewage and harmful to human health and the environment. Cu is a non-noble metal with catalytic reduction effect on nitro compounds, and.has the advantages of simple preparation, abundant reserves, and low price. Carbon nanotubes (CNT) are widely used for substrate due to their excellent mechanical stability and high surface area. In this study, a simple method to prepare CNT-Cu2O by controlling different reaction time was reported. The prepared nanocomposites were used to catalyze 4-NP. Methods: CNTs and CuCl2 solution were put into a beaker, and then ascorbic acid and NaOH were added while continuously stirring. The reaction was carried out for a sufficiently long period of time at 60°C. The prepared samples were dried in a vacuum at 50°C for 48 h after washing with ethyl alcohol and deionized water. Results: Nanostructures of these composites were characterized by scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscopy techniques, and the results at a magnification of 200 nanometers showed that Cu2O was distributed on the surface of the CNTs. In addition, X-ray diffraction was performed to further confirm the formation of Cu2O nanoparticles. The results of ultraviolet spectrophotometry showed that the catalytic effect of the compound on 4-NP was obvious. Conclusions: CNTs acted as a huge template for loading Cu2O nanoparticles, which could improve the stability and cycle performance of Cu2O. The formation of nanoparticles was greatly affected by temperature and the appropriate concentration, showing great reducibility for the 4-NP reduction reaction.

Structural and Thermal Study of Mg2TiO4 Nanoparticles Synthesized by Mechanical Alloying Method

Background: Mg2TiO4 – based ceramics have proven their potentiality in the field of wireless communication systems. In the past, Mg2TiO4 ceramics was considered a quite optical response material in thin film form. Moreover, there is very few studies have been done whatever the proposed work in the present study. Objective: To prepare Mg2TiO4 nano-powders with the help of High Energy Ball Mill (HEBM) and intend to investigate its effect on crystal structure, microstructure and on thermodynamic behavior of MgO-TiO2 system. Methods: Mg2TiO4 ceramics were synthesized using Mechanical alloying method from high- purity oxides MgO and TiO2 (99.99%) of Sigma Aldrich (St. Louis, MO). Results: From the experimental studies it is observed that the powder’s particle size decreases with an increase of milling time. XRD analysis is carried out for phase confirmation of the mixed Mg2TiO4 powder. Further, the result also showed that there is structural changes occurred in the sample by high energy ball milling process, milled at different times. The nanocrystalline nature Mg2TiO4 powder was confirmed from microstructure taken by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Further, differential thermal gravimetric analysis has been carried out to investigate the thermal behavior of milled Mg2TiO4 -powder (35 hours). Conclusion: In work, the effect of mechanical alloying on structural, microstructural and thermal properties of nanocrystalline Mg2TiO4 powders has been investigated systematically. The effect of milling time on particle size, crystal structure and the microstructure was studied using XRD, FE-SEM, TEM and DSC/TGA analysis. The microstructural analysis (FE-SEM and TEM) reveals the nanocrystallinity nature of MTO ceramics prepared by mechanical alloying method. The thermal decomposition behavior of the milled powders was examined by a Thermo-Gravimetric Analyzer (TGA) in argon atmosphere.

Polyaniline/Al Bismuthate Composite Nanorods Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode for the Detection of Benzoic Acid

Context: Benzoic acid is a kind of extensively used preservative. It is of great significance to detect benzoic acid by a rapid method for quality assurance and protection in the fields of pharmaceutical, food and chemistry industry. Objective: The present research is aimed to prepare polyaniline/Al bismuthate composite nanorods by an in-situ polymerizing process for effective detection of benzoic acid. Methods: The polyaniline/Al bismuthate composite nanorods are prepared by an in-situ polymerizing process. The structure, morphology and electrochemical performance of the obtained polyaniline/Al bismuthate composite nanorods are analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy and electrochemical measurement. Results: XRD and transmission electron microscopy observations show that the amorphous nanoscale polyaniline particles attach to the surface of the crystalline nanorods. The electrochemical measurement of 2 mM benzoic acid using the composite nanorods modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) shows that a pair of semi-reversible CV peaks is located at -0.11 V (cvp1) and -0.48 V (cvp1′), respectively. The electrochemical responses of 2 mM benzoic acid at the composite nanorods modified GCE are enhanced with increasing the scan rate and benzoic acid concentration. The polyaniline/Al bismuthate composite nanorods modified GCE shows a linear range of 0.001-2 mM with the limit of detection (LOD) of 0.18 µM. Conclusion: The composite nanorods may be used as the electrode materials with good reproducibility and stability for the detection of benzoic acid.

Curcumin-C3 Complexed with α-, β-cyclodextrin Exhibits Antibacterial and Antioxidant Properties Suitable for Cancer Treatments.

The curcumin-C3 (cur-C3) complex obtained from Curcuma longa rhizome is a combination of three curcuminoids, namely, curcumin, dimethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin. Cur and curcuminoids have been extensively researched for their wide range of therapeutic properties against inflammatory diseases, diabetes, and cancer. In spite of their extensive medicinal properties, cur and curcuminoids have poor solubility and bioavailability due to their hydrophobicity. This limitation can be overcome by complexing cur-C3 with natural cyclic oligosaccharides, such as Cyclodextrin (CD). In this study, cur-C3 and CD (α, β) inclusion complexes (ICs) were prepared with different molar ratios and characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. The cur-C3 cyclodextrin ICs showed an increased entrapment efficiency of 97.8% and improved antioxidant activity compared to cur and can be used as an antioxidant to reduce cancer-related oxidative stress. Additionally, α- CD ICs of curcumin-C3 caused an increase in growth inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus. Our findings suggest that both α- and β-CDs are suitable carriers for cur-C3 and can be used as an effective treatment for cancer-associated oxidative stress and as a preventive treatment for nosocomial infections and pneumonia.

Effect of Sulfur Doped Nanotitania for Degradation of Remazol Yellow and Phenol

Nanocrystalline TiO2 and sulfur-doped TiO2 were synthesized using the sol-gel method. Tween-80, titanium tetraisopropoxide (TTIP), and sulfuric acid were employed as raw materials for the synthesis of TiO2. All the synthesized samples were heated for 3 h at 500 ºC. Each cell parameter of the prepared samples was explored by employing the Rietveld refinement of X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns. For sulfur-doped TiO2 and TiO2 samples, considerable differences were observed in their cell parameters. Under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, the phenol and remazol yellow (RY) photodegradation of the sintered samples was analyzed. Physical properties were studied using Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyzes to measure the surface area. The XRD results confirmed that except nano-anatase, no other phase was present in any sample. The particle size range is 10-15 nm. BET surface results showed that doping concentrations influenced the surface area. On the samples with a larger surface area, photodegradation is superior, which coincides with a higher doping concentration.

Cisplatin-resistant MDA-MB-231 Cell-derived Exosomes Increase the Resistance of Recipient Cells in an Exosomal miR-423-5p-dependent Manner

Chemoresistance blunts the therapeutic effect of cisplatin (DDP) on Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). Researchers have not determined to date whether exosomes confer DDP resistance to other breast cancer cells or whether exosomal transfer of miRNAs derived from DDP-resistant TNBC cells confer DDP resistance. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of exosomes in chemoresistance in breast cancer. MDA-MB-231 cells resistant to DDP (231/DDP) were established. Exosomes were isolated from 231/DDP cells (DDP/EXO) and characterized by measuring the levels of protein markers, nanoparticle tracking analysis and transmission electron microscopy. MDA-MB-231, MCF-7 and SKBR-3 cell lines were treated with the isolated DDP/EXOs and cell proliferation and cytotoxicity to DDP were evaluated using MTT assays and apoptosis analyses. Western blotting was used to examine P-glycoprotein (P-gp) expression. Additionally, a microarray was used to analyse microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles in MDA-MB-231 and 231/DDP exosomes. The effects on miRNAs were determined using RT-PCR. Exosomal miR-423-5p was extracted, and differential expression was verified. The MTT cell viability assay, flow cytometry, and Transwell and immunofluorescence assays were performed to determine if differential expression of miR-423-5p sensitized cells to DDP in vitro. Under a transmission electron microscope, the isolated exosomes exhibited a round or oval shape with a diameter ranging between 40 and 100 nm. DDP/EXOs labelled with PKH67 were taken up by MDA-MB-231 cells. After an incubation with DDP/EXOs, the cell lines exhibited a higher IC50 value for cisplatin, P-gp expression, migration and invasion capabilities and a lower apoptosis rate. Furthermore, 60 miRNAs from exosomes derived from 231/DDP cells were significantly up-regulated compared to exosomes from MDA-MB-231 cells. Notably, compared to the corresponding sensitive exosomes, miR-370-3p, miR-423-5p and miR-373 were the most differentially expressed miRNAs in DDP-resistant exosomes. We chose miR-423-5p, and up-regulation and down-regulation of exosomal miR-423-5p expression significantly affected DDP resistance. Exosomes from DDP-resistant TNBC cells (231/DDP) altered the sensitivity of other breast cancer cells to DDP in an exosomal miR-423-5p dependent manner. Our research helps to elucidate the mechanism of DDP resistance in breast cancer.

Boron-doping of cubic SiC for intermediate band solar cells: a scanning transmission electron microscopy study

Boron (B) has the potential for generating an intermediate band in cubic silicon carbide (3C-SiC), turning this material into a highly efficient absorber for single-junction solar cells. The formation of a delocalized band demands high concentration of the foreign element, but the precipitation behavior of B in the 3C polymorph of SiC is not well known. Here, probe-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy and secondary-ion mass spectrometry are used to investigate precipitation mechanisms in B-implanted 3C-SiC as a function of temperature. Point-defect clustering was detected after annealing at 1273 K while stacking faults, B-rich precipitates and dislocation networks developed in the 1573 - 1773 K range. The precipitates adopted the rhombohedral B13C2 structure and trapped B up to 1773 K. Above this temperature, higher solubility reduced precipitation and free B diffused out of the implantation layer. Dopant concentrations of \mathbf{10^{19}\:\mathrm{\mathbf{at.cm}}^{-3}}1019𝐚𝐭.𝐜𝐦−3 were achieved at 1873 K.

Joining of Individual Silicon Carbide Nanowires Via Proton Beam Irradiation

Background: Joining nanosized building blocks is a promising approach to fabricate functional nanodevices and nanosystems. Nanojoining approach also helps in integrating these nanodevices and nanosystems for the miniaturization of devices. The nanodevices are mainly fabricated by joining metallic and semiconductor nanowires/nanotubes. Objective: Silicon Carbide Nanowires (SiC-NWs) have become important nanomaterials for future nanoscale devices due to their unique physical properties. Method: In this paper, nanowelding of SiC-NWs has been demonstrated using ion beam technology. SiC-NWs were irradiated by 5 MeV proton beam as per SRIM code simulation. Nanojoining of SiC-NWs was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Conclusion: Joining of individual SiC-NWs by 5 MeV proton beam irradiation was successfully achieved at the contact point as X-, Y-, II-, and T-shaped welded junctions.

STUDY ON SOME FACTORS OF MAGNETIC FLUID CHITOSANCOATED Fe3O4 NANOPARTICLES FABRICATION VIA HYDROTHERMAL METHOD

To optimize reaction conditions of hydrothermal preparation of crystalline magnetite(Fe3O4) nanoparticles, the influence of some experimental parameters (temperature, initialconcentration of ferric and ferrous ions, and heating time), and their interactions on the magneticnanoparticle formation was studied using response surface methodology (RSM), based on astatistical design of experiments (DOE). The variation in the particle diameter and crystallitesize of obtained magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) with the synthesis conditions was examined andtransmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction analysis. The results showed thatcrystallite size was greatly affected by temperature, ferric salt concentration and the heatingtime, whereas the particle diameter strongly depended on the heating time, and on the interactionbetween the initial ferrous/ferric ion molar ratio and the initial concentration of ferrous ions. TheMNPs produced by this method were the objects to coat surface with chitosan solution. Thechitosan coated MNPs are nearly spherical with a mean size from 10 to 20 nm depending on theexperimental conditions. RSM analysis showed that under optimized conditions, the chitosancoated MNPs with smallest size 13.43 ± 1.5 nm and saturation magnetization 68.12 emu/g atroom temperature were obtained under the hydrothermal temperature 165oC, heating time 2 h 55minute and ferric salt concentration 0.21 M.

Cytotoxicity Study of Gold Nanoparticles on the Basal-Like Triple-Negative HCC-1937 Breast Cancer Cell Line

The Triple Negative “Basal-like” breast cancer (TNBL) tumours have a high proliferative capacity and develop a resistance phenotype associated with metastases. However, the management of TNBL carcinomas is still not standardized. Among the promising trails, gold nanoparticles could be a relevant tool for the development of a targeted treatment for this breast cancer subtype in monotherapy, associated and/or conjugated with other drugs. In this work, we report the cytotoxicity impact of gold nanoparticles wrapped in Poly-Ethylene Glycol (PEG) on the TNBL HCC-1937 breast cancer cell line. PEG-coated gold nanoparticles (PEG-Au NPs) were synthesized by a two-step method using a reduction process followed by a post-functionalization called PEGylation. PEG-Au NPs were characterized using transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The gold content of the samples was determined using atomic absorption spectrometer. The cytotoxicity tests were performed using Sulforhodamine B survival test and resazurin viability test. PEG-Au NPs impact analysis on HCC1937 TNBL cell line showed a clear toxic action of type dose dependent and at long term. These PEGylated gold nanoparticles present a promising tool for the development of tumor-specific radiosensitizing vectors, with or without the association of other treatment strategies.

The mitochondrial-targeted peptide, SS-31, improves glomerular architecture in mice of advanced age

Although age-associated changes in kidney glomerular architecture have been described in mice and man, the mechanisms are unknown. It is unclear if these changes canbe prevented or even reversed by systemic therapies administered at advanced age. Using light microscopy andtransmission electron microscopy, our results showedglomerulosclerosis with injury to mitochondria inglomerular epithelial cells in mice aged 26 months (equivalent to a 79-year-old human). To test the hypothesis that reducing mitochondrial damage in late age would result in lowered glomerulosclerosis, we administered the mitochondrial targeted peptide, SS-31, to aged mice. Baseline (24-month-old) mice were randomized to receive 8weeks of SS-31, or saline, and killed at 26 months of age. SS-31 treatment improved age-related mitochondrial morphology and glomerulosclerosis. Assessment of glomeruli revealed that SS-31 reduced senescence (p16, senescence-associated-ß-Gal) and increased the density of parietal epithelial cells. However, SS-31 treatment reduced markers of parietal epithelial cell activation (Collagen IV, pERK1/2, and α-smooth muscle actin). SS-31 did not impact podocyte density, but it reduced markers of podocyte injury (desmin) and improved cytoskeletal integrity (synaptopodin). This was accompanied by higher glomerular endothelial cell density (CD31). Thus, despite initiating therapy in late-age mice, a short course of SS-31 has protective benefits on glomerular mitochondria, accompanied by temporal changes to the glomerular architecture. This systemic pharmacological intervention in old-aged animals limits glomerulosclerosis and senescence, reduces parietal epithelial cell activation, and improves podocyte and endothelial cell integrity.

Novel Ferroelectric Hybrid Poly(vinylidene fluoride)/Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite for Photosensor Applications

The graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets doped poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) nanocomposites were successfully fabricated using the solution blending. The structural properties of the PVDF/GO nanocomposites were investigated using the field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. The surface morphology properties of the PVDF/GO nanocomposites were changed with GO contents. The dielectric properties such as AC conductivity, real and imaginary permittivity as a function of frequency of PVDF/GO nanocomposites were determined. The prepared PVDF/GO nanocomposites exhibited a ferroelectric behavior. Finally, the applicability of as fabricated PVDF/GO nanocomposites for the rectifying was tested, too. The obtained results indicate that the PVDF/GO nanocomposites can be promising materials for heterojunction diodes

Nanocomposites with antibacterial properties using CNTs with magnetic nanoparticles

In this work, multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) were functionalized with silver nanoparticles using twodifferent methods of incorporation. Characterization of these composites was done using Raman spectroscopy andTransmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and the antibacterial properties were measured using method of dilutionand plating. The four-point probe method was used to measure the resistivity of the nanocomposite thin filmsmade via the spin coating method.